DNK International By Our Reporter, Meru.
A National Police Reservist (NPR) officer was shot dead after armed bandits staged a daring cattle raid in Tigania East, Meru County and made away with more than 200 head of cattle.
The incident which was confirmed by police took place on Thursday evening.
It was reported by Marion Kangai, a resident of Lanyiru Sub-location.
Kangai stated that on March 5, 2026, at around 6:00 pm, about twelve armed bandits raided their manyatta in Lingela Village, Mula Location while herders were milking cattle.
The attackers reportedly fired several shots in the air, causing panic and forcing the herders to flee.
The bandits managed to steal approximately 134 head of cattle, which they drove towards the Ngatho area.
Police investigations further revealed that the same group of suspected bandits had earlier, at around 4:00 pm, raided herders at Ntangilia area belonging to Ndume Thanara of Mamburua area and stole about 75 head of cattle.
Police officers visited the scenes and confirmed the incidents.
During the confrontation with the attackers, NPR officer James Muthija was fatally shot while engaging the bandits.
His AK-47 riflebtogether with a magazine loaded with twelve rounds of special ammunition, was recovered at the scene.
The body of the deceased officer was moved to Nyambene Mission Hospital mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
Security agencies have since launched a multi-agency operation involving officers from the National Police Service and National Police Reservists to pursue the bandits, recover the stolen livestock and apprehend those responsible.
Police say investigations are ongoing and a progress report will be issued as the operation continues.
[DNK-International@March 6,2026]
